Australia v Sri Lanka T20 series: TV channel, schedule, team news - All you need to know

The Cricketer provides all the information ahead of the stand-alone three-match duel a year out from the World T20....

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What is it?

Australia return to international action for the first time since the Ashes as they kick-off their World T20 preparations. Sri Lanka meanwhile are hot off the back of a series whitewash victory in Pakistan, which followed clashes with Bangladesh and New Zealand.

In all three of their previous visits Down Under for a 20-over series, Sri Lanka have left with victory. Their last success came in 2017 when two final-ball successes in Melbourne and Geelong saw them secure a 2-1 victory.

What's the schedule?

FIRST T20: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (Sunday, October 27)

SECOND T20: Brisbane Cricket Ground, Brisbane (Wednesday, October 30)

THIRD T20: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne (Friday, November 1)

What are Australia's chances?

Preperations for the World T20 on home turf in 12 months time may have begun in earnest many months ago, but this series with Sri Lanka represents the first hurdle ahead of next year's showcase.

Having never won the 20-over crown, there is little doubt that with the Ashes retained this is the main focus for the Baggy Green. While their female counterparts are swatting aside all before them, the men have work to do if they're to make it a World Cup double in 2020.

There is little doubt Justin Langer's side have a formidable core to build around. Aaron Finch is the best T20 opener around, Steve Smith provide solidity and class while Mitchell Starc is as potent as they come with the white-ball.

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Pat Cummins could yet captain Australia if Aaron Finch is deemed unfit

Furthermore, Alex Carey has proven himself at international level, Pat Cummins is injury-free and as dependable as they come while the inigma that is Glenn Maxwell has the capacity to take the game away from any team in world cricket. 

Any side that can afford to leave out D'Arcy Short, Marcus Stoinis, Jhye Richardson and Nathan Coulter-Nile deserves respect.

And yet questions remain. Who will fill the position as the third seamer? Can Adam Zampa or Ashton Agar be the front-line spinner? And is Maxwell really the answer to the allrounder conundrum?

Finch and Langer will hope that over the next 21 competitive T20s before next year most of those issues can be addressed. Nevertheless, many of the faces selected for this series are expected to be involved in a year's time, so there is plenty of pressure on them to deliver.

Who's in and who's out?

The Big Bash League's highest run-scorer from the last two editions, Short, is perhaps the most surprising omission from this Australia squad. Stoinis, Richardson and Chris Lynn were also overlooked, though the squad is well-stocked in all areas.

Despite Ashton Turner's recent finger injury, he has won a call-up for the series, as has the formidable physical presence of Billy Stanlake, who will be looking to put his various fitness issues behind him.

Finch remains the captain of both white-ball sides but he is an injury doubt having suffered a side strain in the Sheffield Shield.

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Wanindu Hasaranga will have another chance to impress

Australia squad: Aaron Finch (c), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Ben McDermott, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, David Warner, Adam Zampa.

What about Sri Lanka?

Consistently inconsistent would be an accurate way of describing Sri Lanka's recent form. After a World Cup campaign which was decimated by rain they hosted a 3-0 ODI whitewash of Bangladesh before secured a Test series draw in New Zealand.

The Kiwis responded with a T20 series win but in the first visit to Pakistan since the Lahore shooting in 2009, a weakened Sri Lanka side produced an extraordinary 3-0 series success. Ten senior players withdrew from the tour over security concerns, but the new breed stepped up to the plate in a big way.

The likes of Lasith Malinga, Kusal Perera and Niroshan Dickwella have all returned for the short tour to Australia, but the likes of Wanindu Hasaranga and Bhanuka Rajapaksa, who impressed in Pakistan, have been retained.

Sri Lanka squad: Lasith Malinga (c), Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Danushka Gunathilaka, Avishka Fernando, Niroshan Dickwella, Dasun Shanaka, Shehan Jayasuriya, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Oshada Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lakshan Sandakan, Nuwan Pradeep, Lahiru Kumara, Isuru Udana, Kasun Rajitha.

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Bhanuka Rajapaksa will look to get in among the runs again

What will the weather be like?

For the first T20 in Adelaide rain is forecast for the scheduled start of play but it should clear later in the afternoon to allow for a shortened game.

In Brisbane for the second match, clear skies are predicted, with temperatures reaching 25 degrees Celsius.

Finally, for the concluding contest in Melbourne, an overcast day is expected with a low chance of rain during the evening.

How can I follow it?

In the UK, the entire series can be watched on BT Sport 2 (Sky channel 417, Virgin Media 529, TalkTalk 409). In Australia, Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports will be broadcasting each of the three T20s.

Viewers in India and Sri Lanka can watch the games on Sony Ten 3 and Sony Ten 3 HD. Streaming platform Sony Liv will also show the series.

What are the odds?

Odds will appear when available

 

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